The sunshine is beaming through Kahaku's bedroom window as he finally decides to go into the living room. He usually never wakes up-or more gets out of bed at this hour, since waking up would imply he actually got sleep. Everything that happened yesterday kept swirling in his mind all night. Especially the haunting realization that he's in love with his childhood friend.
He slowly takes a seat on the couch beside Sho who eyes buck at the sudden presence next to him. "Why are you up so early? I don't remember you getting out of bed at this time since you were in highschool."
"I couldn't sleep." He croaks in reply the drowsiness in his voice clear proof of that. He looks ahead at the TV to see his pink haired friend on the screen again. "Earth radiance? Since when does this come on so earlier in the morning?"
"They changed the time."
"This doesn't look familiar. I guess they started airing new episodes."
The two magical girls are standing in a field fighting a small group of alien species that resemble humans. Sai has her body trapped in a yellow glowing elastic wrapped around her waist. "Mine, help me!"
"Oh-no, Sai!" She goes to run her direction but one of the aliens block her path. "Get out of the way! Raging beams!" Twirling her baton pink beams shine brightly from it, but a invisible shield absorbs the attack. "T-That's impossible!"
A small chuckle comes from the alien man that grows into an insane fit of laughter. "We're much stronger than the previous aliens you've faced. You're no match for us." A faint green power ball grows bigger and brighter and he throws it Mine's direction causing her body to go flying back.
Sai tries to struggle and get free but the magic doesn't budge. "Mine!"
The female attempts to get back on her feet but Mine's body won't move and inch. "What is this?"
The aliens laughter starts up yet again at the girls struggle. "Do you like my paralyzing magic? You can struggle all you want but you're only wasting the little energy you have left. How'd you expect to save your friend here when you can't even save yourself!"
A 'to be continued' pops on the bottom of the screen before continuing on to commercials. Sho lets out a small huff. "How can they just end the episode like that? Now I have to wait all the way until next week to see what happens."
Kahaku doesn't understand what difference it really makes with shows like these. They never kill off any of the main characters anyway. Though he knows if he lets that slip it will start a full blown discussion on just how great of a show Earth Radiance is. One he doesn't have the energy to listen right now. "You should be happy it ended there. Now you have something to look forward to next week."
But he doesn't answer. Kahaku glances over to find him looking down with a conflicted look on his face. As if he is debating about what he wants to say. "Kahaku...are you really seeing Natsume?"
It takes moment for it to fully sink in what Sho just said. If he's asking him this it only means one thing-he saw the show yesterday. His face flushes red with all that conspired yesterday rushing back at him in full force. How much did he see? Did he watch it until the end? Is the end the only thing he did see? Their kiss on live television. "Y-You were really watching yesterday?! I thought you'd be playing a game or something!"
"Girls at my school have been talking about you two. I never expected it to be true until last night..."
"It isn't a real relationship! Just for the publicly."
"But yesterday you two-"
"That...was just a cover up. Chidori asked some things she shouldn't have. We couldn't let anyone find out the truth or what would be the point."
He thinks of Natsume's soft touch and without thinking his hand reaches up to his own. He kissed him so passionately-or at least it seemed that way to him. Kahaku felt so many emotions during those few seconds, but he knows no matter what he feels it means nothing. Because that kiss meant nothing to Natsume. He was only doing his job and he's already in a relationship. That pain in his chest from earlier returns. Though he tries to shake it off pushing those hurtful thoughts deep in the back of his mind.
"First you see Natsume after practically not hearing from him in five years, and now the two of you are 'dating'. How come you couldn't just do this with Megumi?"
He knows Sho never was particularly fond of Natsume, but he wasn't expecting his reaction to be like this.
"It...wouldn't be the same with her."
"Why's that? Because she isn't famous enough to you?"
Well to be honest Megumi is only a starting actress and Earth Radiance is the biggest role she's got. She can act well though and Kahaku is sure over time she'll go far, but as of now this is pretty much it. Plus the star of a children's show isn't the attention he's looking for. "I didn't say that. Besides Megumi already has a boyfriend."
Sho releasing a sigh in defeat at his response. Kahaku knows this probably isn't the thing to bring up right now, but he should give him a heads up. "Our work is progressing so he'll probably be at the house more often. Just so you know though I honestly thought you were starting to warm up to him."
"All I wanted is a rematch. Just thinking of him over here all the time pulling pranks on me like he use to..."
Now Kahaku letting out a small sigh standing on his feet. "Just try to get along for my sake, please. I'm going to get dressed."
The sky is a nice hues of orange and red as it's late evening. Kahaku comes down the hall to see Sho playing the same racing game Natsume beat him at the other day. "You're really determined to beat him, aren't you? That's the only game you've been playing lately."
"Not really. I'm just trying to get back into the swing of playing this again. He only got lucky because its been a long time."
"Whatever you say." He pulls out a light jacket from the coat closet and slips on his shoes by the front door. "I'm going-out! I'll be back in a little bit. There's still leftovers in the fridge when you're hungry." Sho only hums in reply not taking his focus off the television. Kahaku's glad he caught himself when he did. If let spilled he is heading to Megumi's house Sho would have definitely wanted to tag along. But with all that has been on his mind he really needs to talk with her alone.
He decides to walk there figuring some fresh air could do him some good. It wouldn't be a far one since his friend stays fairly close by. Soon enough stopping in front of a neat looking apartment complex. It's a tall brick building along with an outdoor stairway leading straight to the owners room. It's been awhile since he's came to Megumi's place because she's usually the one always at his. With her schedule lately maybe it would of been best if he called in advance to see if she was busy. But being eager to talk about this to someone pushed him this way without thinking.
He goes up a set of stairs walking down until he reaching the second to last door. Before he can even knock surprisingly her door swings open. "Oh Kahaku, hey! I wasn't expecting you to drop by."
She has on a short black rose jacket and a pink flair skirt. Matching pink leggings underneath giving the weather change and ankle boots. Wearing a neck choker and her strawberry blonde hair up tied up in a ponytail to the side. Megumi has always had more of the girly but rocker style of dressing, but this is a little over the top from her standard apparel. "Going somewhere?"
"Yup, I needed a break tonight after all the non-stop filming these past few weeks. Lemme guess...you have something on your mind, don't you?"
"I'm that easy to read, huh? I do have something I wanted to talk about. Do you have a minute?"
"Drive with me." Without waiting for a response she locks up her apartment and heads down the stairway towards the parking lot.
They get in her car and Kahaku has no idea where they're going. Gazing out the window the moon is starting to show in the sky with it beginning to turn a little dark out. Even with the music playing it's still awkward silence between the two of them. He wants to talk her but can't find the right words to bring up the conversation. Did she watch the show yesterday? Though even if she hadn't he's sure word would get to her by the tabloids soon enough. She snaps him out of his deep thought when turning the music down. "I saw the show yesterday. That ending was a real shocker."
"So you did see it. You know ever since this whole publicity relationship started up I've been thinking. And after what happened last night I'm certain that something is true..." His voice trails the words getting caught in throat. Him and Megumi have been friends for a long time, so why is it so hard to tell her? Maybe the real reason is because once he says this out loud there'll be no taking it back. It'll confirm this is how he truly feels.
Megumi doesn't rush him though. She just keeps her eyes on the road waiting patiently for him to continue. She's always been a great listener. That's one of the reasons it's so easy to come to her.
"When I was younger I never really understood what this feeling meant. And when I felt these same emotions resurface even stronger I tried to ignore it. But yesterday opened my eyes to the fact that...I'm in love with Natsume!" He finally declares shutting his eyes tight. Remembering what happened last car conversation he quickly braces himself, expecting the vehicle to go swerving again. Only after a few minutes of steady driving he looks up to face her. The female driving as normal giving no reaction whatsoever. Maybe she didn't quite catch what he said. "Um, you heard me, didn't you?"
"Yup."
"No swerving?"
"Nope."
"Not even a suprised gasp?"
"Na-uh, I knew you would bring this up eventually. I could tell by the way you were acting when first introducing us that there was more to it than friendship. Besides I'm pretty hip at reading you by now."
"So it was that obvious."
She slows the car to a park as they approach an interscetion. Turning to face him since they started talking. "Are you going to tell him?"
"No! He already has a girlfriend. It would only complicate things. I'm...only a friend to him." A painful statement but the truth nonetheless.
"Kahaku, you're really going to continue with this fake relationship? The feelings you have are only going to grow stronger this way..."
"Tatsuya would never let me pull out of this. After what happened on live TV last night, it's a little too late now anyway." Mumbling barely above a whisper. He expected Megumi to say something else but when glancing at her only has a sullen look on her face. Her hands clenching the steering wheel tight as if mentally beating herself up for having nothing encouraging to say. He couldn't imagine he would either if the tables were flipped. She really is a good friend and that alone makes up for the several fake friends he could have. Now all he's done is put a damper on the mood of her night out. "I'll be okay, I just really needed to let this off my chest to someone. This is a problem I'll have to work through myself. Thanks for listening like you always do."
"Don't thank me. That's what the definition of having a friend is." She says this with a small smile starting to form back on her face. "It's decided! What you need is a night out! You're coming along with me and Kyou to have some fun tonight."
"A-A night out?! What about my clothes?" Looking down at the white jeans and green plaid turtleneck sweater along with his long baage jacket. He more just threw on the first thing he came across this morning, so it definitely isn't partying coordinated.
"You're fine in what you have on. Besides we'll be there soon."
After a little more driving Megumi pulls up across the street from a night club entrance. Tons of people are waiting outside only hoping to get in while the night is still young. Not far on the opposite side stands Kyou busy away on his phone. "Here we are."
"I heard of this place before."
"It's a great place to relax and get your mind off things. Kyou!" Him looking up at her call and gives a small wave.
"There you are." The two hugging and give a peck kiss.
"Sorry I'm a little late. I hope you didn't wait too long."
"You know how my work is. I just got here a few minutes ago myself. I was rushing figuring you were waiting pissed. You being mad is no way to start off the night."
"You know if you got me in there drinking before the nights over I would've long forgot what I was upset about."
"Ha, that's true. I've been so swamped with work this week so a drink is just what I need right now." Kyou turns his attention towards Kahaku standing a little waze from the couple. "Kahaku, I didn't know you'd be tagging along with us. It's been awhile."
Kyou is tall probably around the same height as Natsume. He has on a nice purple collar shirt and flashy leather jacket over it. His ginger hair is combed neatly and his wide auburn eyes staring down at him.
Megumi and him started dating a few months ago, and as far as Kahaku can tell their relationship has been going strong. Hectic as work is for them though timing sometimes is an issue, but they somehow manage to always have it worked out. He is the life of the party but also knows how to sweep a girl off her feet according to Megumi. He has always treated Kahaku more like a younger brother though he's only three years older than himself. Kahaku can't remember the last time they all hung out together like this.
"Kahaku had a stressful day so I invited him to come along with us."
"Hope I'm not a bother."
He stares at him for a second like he's deep in thought. Did Kyou see the show yesterday too? He doesn't want to talk or even think about yesterday anymore-at least not tonight. He just wants to try and have a little fun. Maybe Kyou can sense this because he only gives a sympathetic smile. "...Not at all. The more the merrier right?"
The three walk up to the entrance where the line is hardly moving. They'd be waiting all night to get in going way to the back. "You're in for a treat, Kahaku. You've never stepped foot in here I'm guessing. I've took Megumi in once before."
"But won't it take us forever to get inside? Look how long the line is."
"Don't worry, I got us all covered." They stop in front the large black doors tightly shut with the huge bouncer standing in front of them. He looks like the type who'd crush anyone that so much as tries to pull a fast one on him. "Hey, Haru! How's it going?"
"Kyou, it's been awhile. Eh slow night. No one tried conning their way in here today...They're with you?"
"Yup, you met my girlfriend Megumi the last time I was here. This is a friend of mine, Kahaku."
"Right. Well, come on in." Kahaku can hear gasps and some complaining on why they get to go in ahead. It should be no surprise Kyou has good connections. He does work as a writer for a popular magazine here in Kyoto. He's sure he meets all different kinds of stars Kahaku couldn't begin to imagine.
The first thing that hits him upon walking in is the beat of the blasting music in his chest. Colorful lights are flashing with people dancing by the stage while a band is performing. Around the outside is rows of small round tables set up with tons of empty glasses covering them. The smell of alcohol is in the air heavily. He'd hate to work as the staff in a place like this. It's a little much for his taste, but it is Kyou who got them in here. Even if it's a little crazy the actual club looks really nice. He never would of expected it was like this from the blandness on the outside.
They take a seat at a table to the left close by the front that just got cleaned off. Kyou is the only one that doesn't sit down. "You drink before, Kahaku?"
"Uh, no..." He's still underaged so that should be obvious. Though most people have a way of pulling strings and drinking earlier.
"Well now is your chance to. The bartender here is one of the best at his job. Won't find better anywhere else."
"T-That's really okay here?!" Kahaku shouts over the noise. Megumi is of legal age but he isn't. He believes hearing you have to be at least eighteen to get in here, but those underaged still can't drink.
"Kyou is really close with the bartender and he'll let you order whatever you want. As long as you don't be getting into any trouble because of it."
So that's how it works at this place. He figures reasons like this could be why it's so popular, even if it's illegal. "Did you wanna try something light, Kahaku? There's a lot to chose from."
He considers their offer for a moment as it could help him loosen up and get his mind off things. But him getting drunk and he's just starting to get known isn't a good idea. You have to focus on your self image outside of work too. That's what Tatsuya always tells him. "No thanks, I'll pass."
"Well they serve non-alcoholic drinks here. You can just have one of those. I'll take what I had last time." Megumi says and after getting their orders ready Kyou heads to the bar up front.
After a quick exchange he comes back taking a seat next to Megumi.
It's not long before the bartender walks over with three glasses in hand to their table. Kahaku isn't good with labeling alcohol so he has no idea what theirs is. The white liquid has a little fancy umbrella stuck into it. His own is a nice blue color with a berry on the side. It's supposed to be one of the few non-alcoholic wines that they serve. Glancing over at Megumi she is already jugging hers down.
"Ah, this is so good. Go ahead and take a sip, Kahaku."
"Okay." Taking a small drink a bunch of flavors fill his mouth at once that he can't help but take another. "This is really good. Much better than I was expecting it to be."
"Pretty great right? You don't have to drink to have a good time here. Not to say it doesn't help add to it though." Kyou taking a taste of his own.
A girl suddenly runs up to their booth. "It is you! You're Kahaku Yuiga! I saw your interview yesterday. Natsume and you are so cute together."
Two other young woman walk over to join her. "I love your single, My Special Treasure. It's been stuck in my head all night."
"Yeah, your voices go so well together."
He's never got this kind of attention going anywhere before. This really is raising his popularity by the day. "Oh...I'm so glad you all enjoyed our performance."
One girl mentions hearing more about him and Natsume as the others nod in agreement. That's the absolute last thing he wants to talk about right now.
"Hey now, give the kid some space. He's probably here for a day off just like the rest of you. You can talk all you want some other time." Kahaku turns to see the bartender with a kind but firm look on his face. The girls mumble a low reply and apologize quickly to him before disappearing into the crowd.
"Thanks for that but why did you get involved?" If the girls stayed to chat that would mean better business for him tonight, right? They could of even attracted more fans here. Did he speak up because he's a friend of Kyou's?
"No need for thanks. You just looked like you were having a ruff night, and didn't really want to be bothered. It's a bartender's job to make sure all their customers are happy, so I want you to enjoy your time here. Besides any friend of Kyou's is a friend of mine."
He doesn't seem bad at all getting a chance to talk to him. Maybe reasons like this is why people actually enjoy coming here. He shouldn't have been so quick to judge the place. "So, how does it taste?"
"Really good. You definitely have the skills for what you do."
"Being able to sing is a much better talent than something like mixing a few drinks up. You want another? This one will be on the house."
"Hmm, thank you." He gives a small smile abouting to head back to the bar when Kyou holds high his now empty glass.
"Get another round for me and my girlfriend too please, Moooroki!" Sure enough Megumi's glass is clean also. How did they drink theirs so quickly? Kahaku hasn't even finished half of his yet.
Moroki sighs as he takes the empty glasses and gets back to work.
Megumi's arm suddenly latches around Kahaku's shoulders pulling him close. "M-Megumi?"
"Wow we saw all the girls swarming around you, Kahaku. Look how popular you're getting."
"I'm suprised too. I didn't think things would progress this fast. I wonder does that mean..." Would his relationship with Natsume end quicker since things are going so smoothly? But what difference does it make when their relationship isn't real to begin with. Kahaku sighs realizing yet again he's thinking about him, and quickly downs his drink trying to clear his mind. He isn't going to let this ruin his first night out forever. He has time to depressed again back at work, but at least tonight he'll make the most of it.